Chesterfield is set to kickstart the festive season in style with a weekend packed full of Christmas cheer, as the town centre hosts its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On alongside a brand-new Christmas Market.
Running from 20 to 22 November, the Christmas Market is a new event that has been added to the calendar for 2026 and will bring three days of festive entertainment, artisan shopping, seasonal treats and family-friendly activities to the heart of the town centre.
Organised in partnership with Dowse Events, the three-day Chesterfield Christmas Market will give visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of food and drink stalls offering festive treats and refreshments, as well as unique artisan goods and thoughtful Christmas gifts.
The Christmas Market will be open from 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11am to 7pm on Sunday, with music and entertainment on offer each day.
The much-loved annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will round off the weekend of festive entertainment on Sunday 22 November.
A packed programme of entertainment will take place from 12pm, including performances from a brass band and roaming street entertainers, traditional fairground rides and even the opportunity to meet The Grinch at intervals throughout the day.
Following the success of last year, the traditional stage show will begin outside the Town Hall at 4.30pm, before the Christmas lights are officially switched on at 5.30pm. Hosting it outside the Town Hall allows for a bigger crowd to see the show and provides more space for activities across the town centre.
A full list of the entertainment schedule will be announced closer to the event.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Christmas is such a special time for people to get together, and Chesterfield town centre will certainly be the place to get into the festive spirit.
“Our Christmas Lights Switch on is always a highlight of the events calendar, so we look forward to seeing the community come together for a day packed with entertainment. For the first time this year, we also have our three-day Christmas Market taking centre stage, offering something new for people of all ages to get into the festive spirit.
“The works we’ve been doing across the town centre have helped to create the perfect spaces to host a fantastic Christmas celebration for everyone to enjoy, with more space for rides, entertainment and experiences for visitors.
“We’re committed to supporting local businesses and we expect around 70 per cent of traders to come from Chesterfield and the surrounding area. The market will showcase the best of the region's independent retailers, artisan makers, craft producers and food vendors alongside our established market traders.”
The Christmas Lights Switch on will be delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council thanks to support from by the Chesterfield Town Board Pride in Place programme, which is funded by the UK Government.
Dominic Staniforth, local business leader and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said: “Through our engagement with residents, it was highlighted they wanted to see more events take place in the town centre - and that is why we decided to invest Pride in Place funding to help deliver the town’s entertainment programme, including the annual Christmas Lights Switch On.
“The Christmas Lights Switch on is always a highlight of the year for many local families, so we’re looking forward to seeing people come together for what is set to be a fantastic day.”
Details of other festive activities will be published on the council’s website and social media channels.
